WVSU improves enrollment, retention rates

Enrollment at West Virginia State University is continuing to increase, according to school officials.

Fall enrollment has increased by more than 6 percent at WVSU since last fall, putting current enrollment at nearly 2,850 students, according to preliminary figures released Thursday. Final enrollment numbers for the 2014-15 academic year will not released until next month, according to the state Higher Education Policy Commission.

The 6.4 percent increase since last year amounts to an additional 170 students, according to a WVSU news release release.

Enrollment also increased by about 30 students from fall 2012 to fall 2013.

In addition, WVSU welcomed 422 first-time freshmen this fall.

Last year, WVSU saw a record increase in first-time freshmen enrollment, which increased by 48 percent compared to 2012 freshmen numbers.

Current transfer students are also up by nearly 20 percent at WVSU.

More than 200 students from out of state have also signed on to WVSU this year — an increase of nearly 13 percent since last year’s out-of-state numbers.

WVSU has also improved its retention rates among first-time, full-time students.

Over the past two years, retention rates have increased from 50 percent to 59 percent.

“This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the variety of new and long-standing, quality areas of study we offer at West Virginia State,” WVSU President Brian Hemphill said in a statement. “Coupled with the infrastructure investments we have made on campus, including the opening of our first new residence hall since 1969, more students are choosing State to continue their education and prepare them to lead the workforce of tomorrow.”

“This shows the investments we have made in academic programs, student life and infrastructure are paying off as our students are choosing to stay here,” he said.